Tape control means



Dec. 18, 1962 Filed July 18, 1960 .1. ABADIE 3,069,570

TAPE CONTROL MEANS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG.2 11 :15

5 L C IE 1 FIGS 26 24 o 30 32 fi 29 21 IL\ I L I \1 I I\\ I I 10 11 11INVENTOR.

BY Jacques Abadie 21W ATTORNEY Dec. 18, 1962 ABADIE 3,069,570

TAPE CONTROL MEANS Filed July 18, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

Jacques Abadie BY ATTORNEY Dec. 18, 1962 Filed July 18, 1960 J. ABADIETAPE CONTROL MEANS 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 BY Jacques Abadie (M5 6. W

ATTORNEY Uited States Patent Ofitice 3,ii59,579 Patented Dec. 18, 19 623,669,579 TAPE MEANS Jacques Ahadle, 29 Ave. Paul-Adam, Paris 1 7,France Filed duly 18, 196i), Ser. No. 43,433 Claims priority,application France @ct. 22, 1959 6 Claims. (till. Elli-4&5}

This invention relates to control means for electrically operateddevices or systems, and more particularly, concerns control means of theperforated tape type which provides for cyclical or other sequenceoperations.

It has been proposed to use perforated tapes for the sequentialoperation of electric switches, to thereby control the operation ofelectrically operated devices in accordance with a predetermined programof operations. However, since the mechanical forces required to actuatethe switches is substantial, the conventional tapes are quite thick andare made of materials resistant to the incident forces. Such thick tapesnecessarily limit the use t ereor", particularly when the tape mustinclude a magnetic sound track for association with the controlperforations.

Accordingly, one object of this invention is to provide means forutilizing relatively thin perforated control tapes which may includeassociated magnetic sound tracks.

With perforated tapes, control or" the el ectricaly operated mechanismsor systems, is attained by determined spacing of the successiveperforations, length of the perforations and the rate of speed at whichthe tape is moved in relation to the control switch which is actuatedbetween make and break positions by the successive perforated andimperforated portions of the moving tape. The tape may be moved at aconstant speed, as by a synchronous motor for operating the tapetransport means, or may be moved at a speed governed by the operation ofthe device being controlled. When the tape is in endless form, cyclicalcontrol is effected in respect to the devices or systems beingcontrolled. t is vital that the movement of the tape be synchronizedwith the operation of the device being controlled. Inasmuch as variousswitches, relays and the like, may intervene between the tape and thecontrolled device, a condition of asynchronism may arise, which must becorrected to insure synchronous operation.

Accordingly, another object of this invention is to provide in aperforated tape, means for periodically synchronizing the operation ofthe tape in relation to the operation of the controlled device orsystem.

A further object of this invention is to provide improved synchronizingmeans for a perforated control tape wherein the synchronizing means maybe elfective at the end of each cycle of operation; at successiveintermediate points within a cycle of operation; or at any desired pointin a given sequence operation.

Still another object of this invention is to provide improved meansassociated with perforated control tapes for effecting periodicsynchronization of the tape with the operation of the controlled device;such means being applicable to conventional control tapes and utilizinga minimum number of supplemental components.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide in a perforatedcontrol tape having one or more sound tracks associated therewith,improved means for synchronizing the switch actuating perforations andthe sound track, with the operation of the controlled device.

Gther objects of this invention will in part be obvious and in part heeinafter pointed out.

in the drawings, l is a side elevational view showing a perforated tapeguide embodying the invention; FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof; PEG. 3is a diagrammatic showing of the synchronizing system embodying theinvention; FIG. 4 is a view showing the system in a synchronizedcondition; FIG. 5 is a view showing the system in an asychronizedcondition; FIG. 6 is a schematic showing of an application of saidsynchronizing system; FIG. 7 is a schematic showing of anotherapplication thereof; and FIG. 7A is a schematic showing of a controlportion of the system shown in FIG. '7.

in accordance with the invention, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, there isprovided a control tape ill having longitudinally spaced perrorations atdetermined intervals in the form of elongated slots 11. Tape 10 isadapted to be transported by suitable means, not shown, such as asynchronous motor which operates tape pulling means, not shown, all in amanner known in the art.

Tape ill operates a micro-switch 12 having the usual actuating arm 13biased by a spring 1d. Tape 10 passes over a channeled support member 15having a bottom wall formed with a longitudinally extending slot 17. itwill be aparent that when a tape slot ll coincides with wall slot 1?,arm 1'3 will drop through the registering slots to actuate the switch12; the arm 13 in its dropped position being indicated in dotted lines.

When imperforate portions of tape ltl pass under arm R3, the same israised to a position indicated in solid lines, to open switch Supportmember 15 allows tape it) to be formed of thin material and the tape mayinclude one or more sound tracks not shown, appropriately locatedlongitudinally of the tape and laterally related to slots 11.

it is understood that the length of slots 11 and their spacing, isdetermined by the programming of the device, not shown, whose operationis controlled by tape 10. Thus, switch 12 is connected in an appropriateelectrical circuit, not shown, which may include relays, stepperswitches or the like, for operating the controlled device in accordancewith the selected program.

in effect, each time tape slot 111 registers with wall slot l7, switch12 pulses the circuit including the same, to produce a determinedoperation of the controlleddevice or system. However, if for any reason,the controlled device gets out of step with the tape it), a condition ofasynchronism arises which must be corrected to provide propersynchronized operations.

Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, there is provided means forautomatically sensing synchronous or asynchronous conditions at adetermined point in the travel of the tape ll), and for correcting anasynchronous cond tion. The determined point may be at the end of acycle, as when the tape id is in endless form for cycle control; or maybe at any predetermined point in the travel of the tape or at successiveintervals therein.

To this end, the operational micro-switcl1 12 has associated therewith asynchronizing two-position microswitch 29 connected in series therewith.Switches 12 and 2d are mounted in a fixed longitudinally spacedrelation, above tape support 15 which is provided with a second slot1'1"7 spaced from slot 17, to receive actuating arm Zll of switch whenthe same drops.

At a predetermined point in tape ill, as at the end of a cycle in caseof an endless tape, there is provided a pair of slots 22, 22A at a fixedspacing corresponding to the spacing of wall slots l7, l7 and switcharms 13, 21. Furthermore, there is provided a two-position switch 23which is shifted to its alternative positions in accordance with theoperation of the device being controlled, not shown.

in normal operation of the system, as shown in FIG. 3, input current forthe control system is supplied at terminals 2d, 25. The output of thecontrol system at ter minals 26, 27 is supplied to the controlleddevice, not

'3 shown, which may take the form of a stepper switch, relay or otherelectrically operated device.

Switches 12, 3 are connected between input terminal Z and switchTerminal 25 is connected to switch arm 13 of switch 12 whose contact isconnected to arm 21 of switch Contacts 29, of switch are on switch 23.in this case, tape slots 13 are operative to pulse the control circuit.

When tape it has reached the end of. its normal control cycle, or apredetermined point in its travel, as defined by tape slots 22, 22A,then both switch arms 13, 21 will drop through said tape slots, therebyshifting switch arm 21 to switch contac At this moment,

1L ale (1&- vice being controlled, is in step with tape it then switch23 will be shifted to contact 32 and the circuit between terminals 24,and terminals 26, 27 will be completed and the system will continue inits synchronized operation.

However, it for any reason, the controlled device is not in step withtape it then asynchronous condition is indicate as shown in PEG. 5.Here, switch 23 has been thrown to contact 32, out at that moment, ta eslots 22, 22A are not coincident with wall slots l7, l7 and accordingly,while switch arm 13 may be in a dropped position, switch arm 21 is inits raised position over an imperforate portion of tape it.

Accordingly, the circuit to terminals 26, 27 is broken and thecontrolled device will be deenergized until tape lit has moved to locateslots 22, 22A. in a position allowing both switch arms 13, 2i to dropand thus establish the condition shown in H6. 4, to reestablish thecircuit and to energize the controlled device.

It is understood that as soon as tape ill has continued its movement,normal operation of the tape with its operating slots 11 is resumed, asswitch 2?: has now reassumed its normal operating position as indicatedin HS. 3.

For the purpose of illustration, in FIG. 6 is shown a system includingthe synchronizing control above described. Here, a system of coordinatedaudio and lighting devices are controlled through a stepper switch idfor sequential operation of the same. Thus, electric lighting sections-3-1, d2, 43 and 4- and audio speaker devices 45, 4-6, 47 and l8associated therewith, are operated in accordance with a program sequencegoverned by said stepper switch Relay sets 49, h, 51 and 52 respectivelyconnect the successive steps of switch to the audio-lightingcombinations 41, d5; 42, 4-6; 43 7 and 44, 48. The successive steps ofswitch are indicated by contact banks S5, 54, 55 and 56. At contact bank57, the stepper switch ill recycles to repeat the pattern. Thecoordinated contacts of the contact banks and the individual relays ofthe relay sets 49, 5t, Ell and 52 which are respectively interconnectedby circuit means, not shown, are indicated by the letters A, B, C and D.

Micro-switches 12, Eli are arranged for actuation by control tape 19, inthe manner previously described, and are also connected in series withsolenoid winding of stepper switch 40. A cycle relay 59 has its windingin circuit with contact bank 57 and current supply 62. Normally closedcontacts (ll. of relay 59 are connected across synchronizing switch Ztl.

Control, current at terminals as is pulsed by switch 12 to step switchthrough its successive positions. R lays i92 are respectively cner izedto energize th e co responding audio-lighting combinations from currentsupplies 63, 64.

supplied to relay winding 51; to open contacts 6ft. At this point, tapeshould have its synchroniz 2,

22A in a position to close bo winding 53 to be energized to step switchto its no cycle.

if tape slots 22, 252A are not in the indicated position, switch 2%remains open and winding is deenergizcd, leaving relays ia in opencircuit until tape has I slots 27., 22A to a position for actuatingthereby re ner coil and starting tne operation of stepper witch dd anew.

in HQ. 7 is she 11 another system including the control means of theinstant invention. Here a film projector P is controlled in itsoperation by a relay whose contacts are in circuit with the currentsupply 6'1" to projector P for moving film therethrough by means, notshown. Control current is supplied from terminals 63, throughmicro-switch l2 and a normally closed control switch 6?, to solenoidwinding "it; of relay 65.

Each time switch 12 is operated by tape 11?) through its slot lit, aspreviously des bed, relay is pulsed to operate the him or slideadvancing means in projector l. Tape may also include a sound track whih may be coordinated to content of films or slides in projector P, saidtape having its sound track passing through a pick-u not she forreproducing the sound.

As shown in I \J. 7A, film i used in projector P is formed. on one edgewith a synchronizing indentation 71. at a particular point in the lengththereof.

th switches r2 allowm 7 7 C) When film F reaches a position whereinindentation '71 is operative to actuate control switch 69 through itsarm 2, then switch 6% is opened. At this time, if tape is insynchronized relation to the operation of projector P, synchronizationslots 22, 22A will be effective to close both switches 12,

to continue the energization of relay 65.

However, if there is a condition of asynchronization, switch ill willremain open and with control switch 69 open, relay winding 7% will bedeenergized and remain so until tape slots 22, 22A actuate switches 12,2:9 to bring the operation of projector P in step with the tape i -37.It will be apparent that in this case, the sound traclc on tape it willalso be synchronized with the operation of projector P.

in the systems shown in FIGS. 6, 7, the means for transporting tape lit,such as a synchronous motor, or the like, is not shown, for purpose ofsimplicity of illustration. While tape may be transported at a constantspeed, it is understood that said tape may be moved at speedscoordinated with the operation of the device under control. Further, theswitching means operable in response to the operation of the controlleddevice and ccordinated with switches 12, 2d, may take various formsdependent on the form of the controlled device.

it is understood that the control system of the instant invention hasmany applications, as for example: the auto- Inatic sequence operationof machine tools; automatic synchronization of audio-visual systems;distribution of audio signals among several loudspeaker units;announcing systems for transportation systems; and multi-sound trackmagnetic tapes in association with coordinated lighting effects; and thelike.

it will be apparent that the perforated control tape disclosed hereinmay have various combinations of sound tracks and control slots arrangedlaterally of each other, as for example, longitudinally spaced slots ina medial portion of the tape and sound tracks on one or both side of theslots. Also, a sound track "lay be located coincidentally with thecontrol slots.

Furthermore, reading heads may be provided or reading the sound trackson the moving control tape, to reproduce the signals therefrom, all in amanner known in the art.

As various changes might be made in the embodiments of the inventionherein disclosed without departing from the spirit thereof, it isunderstood that all matter herein shown or described shall be deemedillustrative and not limiting except as set forth in the appendedclaims.

Having thus disclosed my invention, I claim as new and desire to protectby Letters Patent:

1. A control system for a sequentially operated electrical devicecomprising control switch means having an operating position andoperable at a predetermined point in the operation of said device to asynchronizing position thereof, a pair of switch devices in spaced,fixed rela tion to each other, circuit means connecting said switchdevices with said electrical device through said control switch means, aperforated control tape movable to control the sequential operation ofsaid electrical device, said tape having longitudinally disposed slotsat a predetermined spacing and cooperative with switch actuatingportions of said s'witch devices for operating said switch devices, saidtape further having a pair of synchronizing slots at a predeterminedpoint therein with spacing to allow for simultaneous operation of saidpair of switch devices and to close said circuit means through saidcontrol switch means when said control switch means is in itssynchronizing position.

2. A control system as in claim 1 wherein one of said pair of switchdevices is an operational switch and the other of said pair of switchdevices is a synchronizing switch, said synchronizing switch beingnormally open and said control switch means being normally closed, saidsynchronizing switch and said control switch means being connected inparallel.

3. A control system as in claim 1 wherein said control switch means isnormally connected in series with one of said pair of switch devices,said control switch means being connected in series with both of saidpair of switch devices at said predetermined point of operation of saidelectrical device.

4. A control system for a sequentially operated electrical devicecomprising control switch means movable between operating andsynchronizing positions thereof at a predetermined point in theoperation of said electrical device, circuit means for operating saidelectrical device including said control switch means in its operatingposition and a first switch device, a movable perforated tape havingsuccessive slots for periodically actuating said first switch device, asecond switch device in series with said first switch device, said tapehaving a pair of synchronizing slots at a predetermined synchronizationpoint therein for simultaneously actuating said first and second switchdevices, said circuit means being closed upon operation of said firstand second switch means only upon coincident operation of said controlswitch means to its synchronizing position.

5. A control system for a stepper switch having an operating winding, apair of series connected microswitches in circuit with said winding, acontrol relay having a pair of normally closed contacts in parallelconnection with one of said micro-switches, said Stepper switch havingrecycling contacts, said control relay having a winding in circuit withsaid recycling contacts and the other of said micro-switches, a movableperforated control tape for operating said micro-switches, said tapehaving a series of spaced slots for sequentially operating one of saidmicro-switches to periodically operate said stepper switch through itscycle, said tape having a pair of spaced synchronizing slots at apredetermined point in said tape for simultaneously actuating said pairof microswitches, said stepper switch being operative at the end of itscycle of operation to energize the winding of said control relay,whereby coincident operation of said microswitches with the operation ofsaid control relay will energize the operating winding of said stepperswitch.

6. A control system for a sequentially operated electrical devicecomprising control switch means in circuit with said device and having anormal operating position and being movable to a synchronizing positionin response to operation of said electrical device at a predeterminedpoint in its sequence of operations, a movable control tape, anoperating switch in circuit with said electrical device and periodicallyoperated by said tape for operating said electrical device, asynchronizing switch in circuit with said operating switch, circuitmeans connecting said control switch means, said operating switch andsaid synchronizing switch, said tape having means at a predeterminedpoint therein corresponding to said predetermined point of operation ofsaid electrical device for simultaneously actuating said operating andsynchronizing switches, the actuated operating and synchronizingswitches being operative to close said circuit means only with saidcontrol switch means in its synchronizing position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,475,439 Walker July 5, 1949 2,512,724 Like June 27, 1950 2,649,517Egan Aug. 18, 1953 2,666,358 Eash Jan. 19, 1954 2,693,127 Ortman Nov. 2,1954 2,844,811 Burkhart July 22, 1958 2,847,905 Novak Aug. 19, 19582,917,640 Batterman et a1 Dec. 15, 1959 2,922,141 Simmerman et a1. Jan.19, 1960 2,993,408 Cook July 25, 1961 3,033,077 Schwartz et a1 May 8,1962 FOREIGN PATENTS 68,591 France May 2, 1958 (Addition to No.1,142,993)

